OCD in Kids: Managing Obsessive Compulsive Disorder As a Family
Feb 25, 2022
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Expert Lynn Lyons consults with a mom whose son has OCD, offering tools for the whole family. Special retreat and course announcements for parents and teens. Discussion on managing anxiety in children, genetic links, and finding OCD therapists for kids.
Recognizing irrational thoughts and distinguishing them from true beliefs is crucial in managing OCD.
Avoiding accommodation of OCD behaviors by family members weakens the disorder's grip and supports recovery.
Exposure and response prevention, along with family unity, are key strategies in overcoming OCD challenges.
Deep dives
Understanding the Intrusive Thoughts of OCD
OCD can lead to intrusive thoughts that provoke feelings of discomfort and compel individuals to engage in compulsive behaviors to alleviate the distress. Recognizing that these thoughts are irrational and learning to differentiate the OCD thoughts from one's true beliefs are vital steps in managing OCD.
Involving Family Members in OCD Treatment
Family members play a crucial role in supporting individuals with OCD by offering understanding and encouragement while avoiding accommodation of OCD behaviors. By refraining from participating in compulsions, family members help weaken the grip of OCD and prevent enabling the disorder's progress.
Treatment Strategies for OCD
Treatment for OCD involves exposure and response prevention, where individuals learn to resist compulsions and tolerate the discomfort caused by intrusive thoughts. By interrupting the compulsion cycle, individuals can gradually reduce the power of OCD thoughts and develop coping strategies to manage their symptoms.
Finding Specialized OCD Resources
Seeking therapists or resources specialized in treating OCD is crucial due to the intricacies of the disorder. The International OCD Foundation (IOCDF.org) provides listings of trained professionals skilled in addressing OCD, ensuring individuals receive proper care and support tailored to their needs.
Establishing Family Consistency in OCD Management
Consistency within the family is essential in supporting individuals with OCD. Establishing a united front against accommodating OCD behaviors and acknowledging the need for a concerted effort to address the disorder helps create a conducive environment for managing and overcoming OCD challenges.
Emphasizing the Long-Term Approach in OCD Treatment
While managing OCD requires time and effort, adopting a long-term approach focused on building skills, recognizing intrusive thoughts, and reducing compulsions can lead to successful outcomes. By fostering resilience and persistence in individuals with OCD, families can navigate the challenges of OCD effectively.
It's time for a new Flusterclux In Session episode where anxiety expert Lynn Lyons shares a consultation with a listener. Lynn talks to mom of three, Erica, whose youngest son has developed OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder). Lynn gives Erica tools not just for her nine-year-old son but for the whole family to be united in managing this very common disorder.
Flusterclux Retreat for Parents And Teens
Registration Open. Discounted rooms available until March 1, 2022.
Specifically for families with teens aged 13-19, Lynn Lyons and Robin Hutson of Flusterclux will present a full day of programming on Saturday, April 9th, 2022, from 9am until 5pm at the Woodstock Inn in Woodstock, Vermont.
This self-paced course covers the core tools a family needs to manage their anxiety, the same principles Lynn teaches to families in her private practice.
This course includes 6 video modules from Lynn Lyons, LICSW, and 9 additional Q&A videos from Lynn and Robin of Flusterclux.
What you'll get:
Understand how anxiety works so that you can help manage your kids and your own.
Learn what to say when anxiety shows up for you or your kids.
For Kids: A special video that explains how anxiety works suitable for those ages 6 and up.
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